Contents

History

Prelude

In the course of the dark spirit incidents, Chief Unalaq ordered his military to begin a belligerent occupation of the South, which led to nationwide unrest that eventually escalated into open civil war.[3][4] The Southern Water Tribe residents of Republic City organized a peace march outside of the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center in support of the re-institution of Southern Water Tribe sovereignty, while Northern Water Tribe residents lined along the streets in support of Unalaq's actions. Heavy police presence helped manage the situation, and no violent clashes occurred.[2]

Bombing

While the police monitored the protests, members of the Agni Kai Triad made their way into the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center, placing bombs on the upper floors. At the climax of the march, the criminals detonated the building, shocking the gathered crowd. As the criminals were about to escape from the scene, they were pursued by Officer Mako, who, despite his efforts, could not prevent them from escaping. Despite this, Mako managed to retrieve the detonating device used by one of the triad members.[2]

Aftermath

The bombing led most of Republic City, along with Korra, to believe the Northern Water Tribe responsible for the attack. As a result, the young Avatar implored PresidentRaiko to intervene, requesting military support from the United Forces before the North destroyed the South in open warfare. The president, however, remained convinced that involving the United Republic in the conflict was unreasonable and asserted that the nation would only help facilitate diplomatic relations between the two tribes.

Korra subsequently attempted to bypass Raiko by directly requesting for GeneralIroh's support. Although the general was willing to support the South indiscreetly under the guise of safeguarding against the North's blockade of the South Sea, the president intervened before the navy could mobilize by issuing an official order not to leave the docks without his consent, threatening Iroh with a court-martial if he contravened his orders.

Mako, on the other hand, continued to investigate the nature of the bombing, under the firm belief that the North was not responsible for the attack. He was able to identify one of the bombers as a member of the Agni Kai Triad[2] and eventually discovered that the technology to create remote detonators was exclusive to Varrick Global Industries. However, due to his position as a junior officer and that most of his colleagues presume the Northerners to be responsible, Mako required more evidence before accusing Varrick.[1]

Trivia

During the peace march, the signs held by the Southern Water Tribe residents read "freedom" (自由), "peace" (和平), and "autonomy for the South" (南方自主).